Phipps Family History: The Value of Cultivating Relationships

September 27 is the 184th birth anniversary of Henry Phipps, Jr.—father of John S. Phipps, whose family called Westbury House and its surrounding gardens, woodlands, and park-like fields home for over half a century. Henry Phipps is known for his business partnerships with Andrew and Thomas Carnegie that greatly contributed to the enormous growth of the iron and steel industry centered in Pittsburgh during the latter half of the 19th century. 

Ever mindful of his humble origins as the son of a cobbler who emigrated from England to the US seeking a better economic life for his family, Henry committed to cultivating a better life for those in his neighborhood and beyond. He recognized education as fundamental to a person’s well-being and advocated for—and financially supported—institutions in his native Pittsburgh that provided occupational training opportunities for young men and, rare at that time, young women. He funded public libraries in Allegheny City and even opened up his home on Saturday evenings for informal educational discussions about astronomy, and international cultures. 

He also recognized the necessity for institutions that prompted public interest in the natural world and public areas of respite. His crowning achievement in this area was the formation of the Phipps Conservatory first in his native Allegheny City, which would soon thereafter expand to the newly established civic park and gardens, Schenley Park. Henry provided additional funding for facilities that would enhance the learning experience for school children when they visited the Conservatory.

Faithful to Henry’s legacy since its establishment in 1959, Old Westbury Gardens has always welcomed school groups to connect with the natural world as well as Long Island history. In the 2000s, Old Westbury Gardens committed to a partnership with Westbury School District that provides STEM programming to early learners free of charge (see below gallery). This fall and spring each kindergarten student will visit the Gardens at least twice for a hands-on learning experience. With support from NY State, this program will now expand to the next level of grades.  

This summer Old Westbury Gardens formalized its support of local arts initiatives and began to partner with Westbury Arts to support common goals and encourage artistic expressions that bring communities together and stir their imaginations. Plans are underway to develop joint exhibitions and programs in 2024 to cultivate and showcase the visual arts, poetry, spoken word and theatrical performances.